‘Tis the season for holiday giving

Holiday season is upon us, and while many community members will be sharing a home cooked meal with their loved ones, others still will be feeling winter’s chill in more ways than one. To ensure that no one goes without this holiday season, community organizations are hoping to galvanize residents to share their giving spirits.

Thanksgiving is this upcoming Thursday, and the Plainville Community Food Pantry has several projects underway to ensure that everyone will be eating well that evening.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the pantry will be offering holiday baskets to Plainville residents who had previously signed up for the program. Each basket will contain everything necessary for a festive holiday meal—the clients choice of a chicken or turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all sorts of fixings. According to executive director Susie Woerz, those who attend are “going to get a nice meal.”

Advertisement

Similarly, local furniture bank For Goodness Sake offers each of their clients a welcome home basket. But this year, explained marketing coordinator Pam Morgan, FGS is hoping to fill these baskets using creative methods.

The day after Thanksgiving, known by many as “Black Friday,” is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of outrageous sale prices. FGS volunteers will be using the proceeds from a recent donut fundraiser to purchase small appliances such as coffee pots, toasters, and microwaves, as well as welcome basket items such as cleaning supplies, toothpaste and toothbrushes, pillow cases, and even dining flatware.

The Plainville United Methodist Church and the Plainville food pantry will be hosting a food drive from Nov. 22-26 at Gnazzo’s Food Center at 73 East St. Over the four day drive, the two organizations will be attempting to fill a truck with nonperishable food items. On Nov. 26, the truck will come to rest at the Plainville Community Food Pantry at 19 S Canal St., where it will then be unloaded, and the items will be distributed.

Woerz said that the event coordinators are still looking for volunteers throughout the four day fundraiser, and those interested should contact the United Methodist Church by calling, (860) 747-2328.

At FGS, the winter months can mean that the warehouse shelves are difficult to fill and keep filled. Morgan reminds the community that while furniture donations can be dropped off during business hours—Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.—the organization also offers a pickup service for the communities of Plainville, Bristol, Southington, and the surrounding communities.